TWIRL DOCTORS
Questions & Answers
Page 3
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Question: #30Can
you tell me what is a feature twirler? What makes them different from the
others? Also what are the different types of twirlers? |
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Answer:
#30A
Feature Twirler is "featured" or "spotlighted" during
the performances. This is different from being in a "line" or a
group of twirlers that are usually all doing the same routine together. A
Feature Twirler does more of a solo type of performance. Many times the
feature will have higher skills. Hope this helps you out.
Twirl Doctor-Kelli Russell Answer:Upon
more thought, I may not have answered you fully. A Feature Twirler is
usually selected by a band director to twirl and perform in front of, and
with, the band. I hope that explains it better.
Twirl Doctor-Kelli Russell Answer:Thanks
for writing.
A Feature Twirler is usually 1 individual (however there could be
several) that performs their own routine in front of a marching band or
alone to recorded music.
Along with a Feature there may be a twirling line - a group of
twirlers that perform a group routine.
A Drum Major is the leader of the band - they may also twirl - but
do not do so in the same manner of a Feature Twirler. I hope I have
answered your questions.
Please feel free to write anytime!
Twirl Doctor-Lee A. Callicut Answer:A
feature twirler is a term usually used to refer to the head twirler of a
team or group. Generally the term is used in marching bands. A feature
twirler usually has more knowledge than the other twirlers and is being
featured using that knowledge. Often times they will have a different
costume than the rest of the line as to stand out a bit. Competition
twirling, however, is completely different -- this goes by levels of
novice, beginner, intermediate, and advanced!
Twirl
Doctor
Bridget
Demary Answer:Baton
Twirlers are normally categorized by ability.
A feature twirler is one who "sticks out" in comparison;
either by twirling tricks. Body work, presentation, or technical ability.
There are three levels in baton twirling, Beginner (one who has had
little experience) Intermediate (one who has had some experience, but not
quite to the advanced level) Advanced (one who has had a lot of experience
and a lot of training in their field)
Hope this helps.
Twirl
Doctor-Gino Cicerella Answer: Answer:
There
are majorette lines and/or twirlers in a band.
Some bands prefer to not "feature" only one, or two
individuals, but do like the majorette lines which can enhance the overall
performance and general effect.
Other bands have both majorette lines, with "featured
twirlers" for solo performances.
Bands such as Michigan State have "featured twirlers"
with no majorettes. Hope that makes sense.
Twirl Doctor-Patti Jankowski Answer:
A
featured twirler is some one who usually has a high level of ability with
one, two and three batons. they
have a high level of showmanship and
performing skills. A twirler on
the line needs to be someone who works well
with others, can execute
exchange tricks with the group or a partner. They
need to be a good twirler, have
a strong ability to hold on to the baton and
be a good team player. I hope
this helps you out.
Twirl Doctor-Sharon Campbell |
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Question:
#31
My
name is Angela and I set up my own troupe in England about 12 months ago.
When I was a majorette a few years ago I remember our coach showing us an
American video about twirling. I think it was called Twirl or The Twirler.
Have you ever heard of it and would you know where I can find a copy. I
would love to show it to my girls to let them see how it is done properly!
Hope you can help. |
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Answer:
#31Thanks
for writing to the Twirl Doctors!
Congratulations on the formation of a new twirling group!
I am sorry to say that I do not know the video that your are
speaking of.
However - I do have some recommendations.
If you check the USTA web-site - www.us-twirlingassoc.org
<http://www.us-twirlingassoc.org>
- you will find several informative videos.
I would recommend the compulsory videos.
They show you the USTA compulsory program and how to do the basic
tricks. It is a fabulous starting point.
I would also recommend the World Championship video to view the
Worlds best! I congratulate you on ensuring that your athletes execute
their twirls correctly! Thank you! I hope I have been helpful - please let
me know if I can be of any further assistance!
Twirl Doctor- Lee A. Callicutt
Answer:Yes,
the movie is called "Twirl" I do not know where you could get a
copy of it, although check with a video store, sometimes they can order
movies. Check under the caption "Baton Movie" on the internet,
if that does not work go under video's or order information on videos.
Hope I helped.
Twirl Doctor-Gino Cicerella
Answer:
I
would suggest contacting the organizations listed on this web site, NBTA,
USTA, and TU requesting any twirling tapes they have for you to show your
girls.
Be sure to tell them where you live as they are always eager to
share twirling with other countries. Twirl
Doctor-Bonnie Peddicord Answer:
I
have seen the movie "Twirl" which was a 'made for TV movie' from
the late 70's or early 80's.
If this is the movie that you are thinking of, I have seen it often
on Ebay.
(Ebay.com) If you are not familiar with Ebay, it is an internet
auction site.
That is the only place that I have seen the movie available.Twirl
Doctor-Patti Jankowski |
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Question:
#32Hi,
My name is Sara and I have been a twirling for several years now. I've
also taken dance, but when it comes to spins and turns in twirling I lose
my balance sometimes. Mostly on three spins and so on. Is there any advice
you could give me on balance? Thank you for the help! |
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Answer:
#32One
of the biggest reasons an athlete loses their balance when spinning is
POSTURE.Check the following.
Is your back straight, are you pulling up and/or are you putting
your head to far back to try and watch the baton in the air? What position
are your hands and arms in, are they tight to the body or are they
"flapping in the wind"? The hands and arms should have a
placement, whether they wrap around the body tight, behind the back, or
both arms in the front. There a several arm positions that you can try.
When you push off for the spin, do you push off from the front or are you
crossing over the spinning foot and pushing form the sides? The initial
push should be from the front. And, are you spinning on one foot for the
entire 3 spin, or are you "pushing off", or "tapping
down" on each individual spin to complete the 3 spin? Whatever the
number of spins that you are doing, you should "never" touch
down during the spin after the first initial push. Two footing your spins
will not only throw your balance off but it also will make the spin jerky.
Good Luck!Twirl
Doctor-Dori Robertson Answer:There
are a number of factors which can help your balance: -
Posture ... your body must be in proper alignment. Think of one straight
line running up from your ankles through your knees, hips, abdomen, chest,
neck and through your head up to the ceiling. You must maintain this
"straight" line to hold your balance.- Pull up and stretch.
(This does not mean to "hunch" your shoulders) ... pull up and
tighten all muscles. - Spotting. This is imperative. Your eyes must be the
last to leave and the first to return on a spin. And you must do this on
ALL spins, that is on the first spin, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and so on. Practice
with a spot in front of you without the baton, And then transfer your spot
to the center of the baton when you do your spinners. - When spinning,
snap your free foot tightly and directly in to the ankle of your standing
leg.- Spin on your toes. - Place your arms tightly to your body. This will
help keep them from throwing off your balance, if they are flailing or
moving around. - Also, work on your tosses without the spins. Make sure
they are straight and under control. The baton being wild can affect your
spins. - Make sure you toss first, then turn. Tossing and turning at the
same time can also throw you off balance.- And remember, practicing the
proper techniques takes a little time, but definitely will help you. Good
luck! Twirl
Doctor-Kelli Russell Answer:Achieving
balance on spins all stems from the ability to maintain a
"center".
That center is created from the correct positioning of the push off
foot before spinning and maintaining head and body alignment throughout
the spin.
Problems are usually created by: crossing over on the push off,
throwing the head back on the spin, leaning forward on the toss, and lack
of stability in the arm positions.
To correct this problem, begin in ballet 5th position.
Point the right toe directly to the front as you execute a
flourish, whip or figure 8.
Push with the toe, without leaning or twisting, as you toss.
Spot the baton as it is tossed and begin the spin, using your eyes
to spot the baton again as you return to the front of each spin.
Be sure that the right foot is tucked directly to the left ankle as
you spin and find a secure spot for the arms throughout the spins.
The easiest arm positions are usually wrapped at the waist, pushing
down with hands together in front or bowed at the tops of the legs.
Timing of push-off, toss and spotting of the baton are critical to
head and body alignment during the spin.
Make sure toe, knee, belly-button and head are in line, as if you
had a string through the center of your body and stay as tight as you can.
Good luck and keep spinning! Twirl Doctor-Kyle Keiser Answer:Thanks
for writing.
I hope I can help you.
When you begin to spin it is important to pull up into a tight 3rd
position on releve (with the right foot in front.
When you push off on the right foot, keep it close to your left
ankle - slightly off the ground.
When you spin ensure that your left leg (supporting leg) is kept
straight and in releve.
When you push off don't push off to fast or hard - this could make
you lose your balance - especially on multiple spins.
While spinning you must keep your back straight - don't arch back.
As you have learned in ballet class, you must also keep your weight
centered.
A good way to practice is by doing your dance piourettes.
If you lose your balance on them as well - it is usually because of
leaning back or bending your legs.
Also keep in mind - that your right foot doesn't touch to floor
until complete your spins. I hope you keep up your dance training, as it
is so important in all aspects of
your twirling!
Good luck to you and I hope I have been of some help. Write back
and let us know how you are progressing! Twirl Doctor-Lee A.
Callicutt Answer:When
executing spins, make sure that you are pulling up tall on your toes.
If you are spinning to the left, then your weight should be on your
left foot and the right foot is used for your push off.
When winding up, put up on your toes, place your right foot in
front of you, and execute the push for the spin. Ensure that you are not
"crossing over", or placing the right foot over the left.
This will throw your posture off and create balance problems.
Also ensure that you are staying tall through the spin with no bent
knees.
Bad posture can also cause balance problems.
Good luck. Twirl
Doctor-Patti Jankowski Answer:Think
of placing your weight equally over the ball of the foot.
You may look at the bottom of your shoe (the ones you practice in)
and note the "wear" to see if you are placing weight correctly.
Also practice spotting technique, and make sure only your eyes are
on the baton during the spin, rather than your head being back too far,
this could also hinder the spin. Hope
I helped. Twirl Doctor-Gino Cicerella Answer:As
a dancer you should know you need to spot!
This holds true in baton too!
If you are performing a super x strut, the spot technique is
exactly the same as in dance.
If you are doing a solo routine, however, the spot technique is
slightly different -- you need to lift your head just slightly and follow
the baton as you spin.
Be careful not to lift it too high or you will be off balance!Twirl
Doctor-Bridget Demary |